“The openness of entrepreneurs reflects the openness of the country” – László Parragh would adapt to changes following the traditions

– It is the Hungarian government’s priority is to strengthen the SME sector. As president of MKIK, how do you think domestic SMEs can be helped?

– There are more than 900,000 registered SMEs in Hungary, many of which are export- and supplier-oriented. They can be strengthened via reducing their administrative burden, direct financial assistance, the allocation of EU funds and information sharing.

MKIK’s business development activities have received strong support from the government this year. A cornerstone of this is the Enterprise Development Programme, which supports local entrepreneurs through the regional chambers.

The chamber’s Enterprise Development Programme has attracted a lot of local interest. Thanks to the project, we are in direct contact with a growing number of SMEs. We have expanded the number of customer services, so that the regional chambers are no longer only available in the county towns. We have launched sector-specific free training courses, lectures and workshops in the fields of digitalisation, AI, and ESG. Professional consultants are available for financial, tendering, marketing and human resources management and employer issues.

László Parragh, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI)

– The chamber – a two-way information channel between government and entrepreneurs – can really do a lot to ensure that local businesses aren’t at a competitive disadvantage. What can they do for themselves?

– We are offering forward-looking solutions to businesses and fortunately a large number of them are open to this as partners. That is the best they can do, as well as keeping in touch and inspiring each other, for example through business clubs – the openness of entrepreneurs reflects the openness of the country.

– MKIK will be electing new officials this year. What are your plans for the next period?

– I agree that the world is changing and we have to adapt, but my basic principle is to keep the existing, working tradition strong. As the world evolves, we too must gradually improve in our everyday work: in IT, in the directness of contacts with businesses, in helping them to become suppliers. A sudden change of direction would be unfortunate – it would be much better to continue with the programmes that are already successful in the spirit of enterprise development. (x)